Link Light Rail Disruptions Begin In Seattle This Weekend

SEATTLE, WA — Construction work to connect Seattle's Link light rail system with a new line on the Eastside will delay commuties for 10 weeks, starting this weekend. Travelers are encouraged to allow more time for trips, as trains will arrive every 12 minutes, instead of every 6 minutes.

Link riders traveling through downtown Seattle will also need to transfer at the Pioneer Square station, where a new temporary platform is in place. Bicycles will not be allowed at Pioneer Square Station. Southbound cyclists will need to exit at University Street and northbound cyclists at the International District/Chinatown Station.

Sound Transit said riders should expect significant crowding during peak hours. Typically the first and fourth train cars are the least crowded.

On top of the weekday interruptions, service will be further impacted on three weekends -- Jan. 4-5, Feb. 8-9, and Mar. 14-15 -- when free shuttle buses will run in place of trains between Capitol Hill and SODO.

During the service interruptions, crews will build new tracks connecting the International District/Chinatown Station to 10 new East Link Extension stations in Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond. The new stations, and 14 miles of new tracks, are scheduled to open in 2023.

Learn more about the Connect 2020 project on the Sound Transit website.